Social Security Disability – The wait
We at Best & Anderson share the frustration of our clients at the unconscionable long waits endured by many of those seeking benefits under Social Security Disability. A recent report showed that the average wait for a hearing is now 17 months, more in some parts of the country. The budgetary cutbacks of the last few years have forced the agency to reduce staff; the number of administrative judges is inadequate; the result is the cruel waits that those who are most vulnerable are subjected to.
Our Social Security administrator, Ms. Runge, has been working Social Security Disability cases for the last 15 years. She agrees that the backlog of cases seen today is unprecedented.
One tool that is at her disposal is what is called an “on the record” decision (OTR). For certain, well-documented cases, we can apply using only the documentation available. This process negates the need for a hearing, thus cutting back the wait time. Sometimes decisions can be received in a matter of weeks.
If you think that your case merits an on the record decision please call us. We will be more than happy to inform you about this procedure and any other aspects of Social Security Disability.
